ABSTRACT
The rate of production of nitrogenous waste products which accumulate in renal failure depends upon the rate of catabolism (breakdown) of body protein and the amount of dietary protein ingested. A normal adult in the UK ingests 70 g protein daily and the degree of uraemia can be reduced by protein restriction. This may alleviate symptoms of uraemia and defer the need for dialysis. The price to be paid is the potential for protein malnutrition and the current trend is to avoid severe dietary protein restriction in chronic renal impairment. This trend has been reinforced by recent controlled studies which show that protein restriction per se does not reduce the rate at which kidney function declines, although contrary views have been expressed. The weight of evidence indicates that major benefit in this respect from protein restriction is not to be expected.
